India has expanded its Aadhaar authentication system to include additional government and private entities as part of broader initiatives to enhance service delivery and governance. The expansion comes through the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025, implemented under the Aadhaar Act of 2016, which established the world’s largest biometric identification system.
The amendment extends Aadhaar authentication capabilities across multiple sectors, including e-commerce, travel, tourism, hospitality, and healthcare services provided by non-governmental entities. The expansion builds upon recent mandates requiring Aadhaar verification for SIM cards and digital KYC systems for financial services. “This will help both the service providers as well as the service seekers to have trusted transactions,” said the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Under the new framework, entities seeking Aadhaar authentication must submit applications detailing their requirements to relevant central or state government ministries or departments through a dedicated portal. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which manages the Aadhaar system that currently serves over 1.3 billion residents, will examine these applications, with MeitY issuing final approvals based on UIDAI recommendations.
The implementation process requires concerned government departments to formally notify entities for Aadhaar usage following MeitY’s confirmation. The systematic approach aims to ensure controlled and secure expansion of the authentication system, particularly important given India’s recent focus on combating digital fraud through enhanced verification measures.
The expansion supports India’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, building upon the Aadhaar infrastructure that has served as the world’s largest biometric identification system since its introduction. The initiative specifically targets improvements in accessibility and transparency across service delivery channels while promoting innovation and knowledge dissemination, following successful implementations in sectors like telecommunications and financial services.
Sources: New Kerala
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